Security has been significantly heightened at Nigeria's National Assembly Complex in Abuja as the nation awaits the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The President is scheduled to address a joint session of the federal legislature at noon on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Unprecedented Security Measures Enforced
All access points to the National Assembly complex are under strict control, manned by a combined team of security operatives. Personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been deployed to secure the venue. In preparation for the high-profile event, the complex management instructed business operators, including banks and food vendors within the vicinity, to remain closed for the day.
Access to the premises is severely restricted. Only a handful of National Assembly staff on essential duties, accredited officers, and a limited number of journalists bearing proper identification are being permitted entry. This lockdown underscores the importance of the event and the priority placed on safety and order.
Details of the Massive 2026 Fiscal Plan
The budget presentation follows President Tinubu's formal request to the leadership of both legislative chambers. The fiscal document, the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), has already received approval from the lawmakers. It outlines a proposed total expenditure of N54.46 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year.
Of this colossal sum, the government anticipates N34.33 trillion in retained revenue. This budget will mark President Tinubu's third budget presentation since his inauguration on May 29, 2023, setting the financial roadmap for the nation's development in the coming year.
Leadership and Presidential Arrival
The historic joint session will be presided over by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen. President Tinubu is expected to arrive at the National Assembly complex by 3:00 p.m. local time for the formal presentation ceremony. The event signifies a critical step in Nigeria's annual budgetary process, where the executive's proposal is submitted for legislative scrutiny, debate, and eventual passage into law.
The presentation of the N54.46 trillion budget is a pivotal moment for the Tinubu administration, highlighting its fiscal priorities and economic strategy for the nation. All eyes are on the National Assembly as it begins its constitutional duty of dissecting and approving the financial blueprint for 2026.
